What's happening here mate?

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

Fane’s song, Wishes from his debut album, I am, sounds exactly like Moruakgomo’s hit song, What’s happening. Maybe it is only the lyrics that are different. 

Fane released his new album this year.  But Moruakgomo’s track was released some few years ago.When he was asked about the similarities in the two songs, Fane denied that they are identical.

He insisted the two songs do not sound the same at all. Fane said he was never inspired by Moruakgomo’s song when he composed Wishes. He said anyone who listens to the new song can tell that it does not sound like What’s happening. He insisted that even the lyrics of the two songs are not the same.   

But after listening to Fane’s song, a puzzled Moruakgomo confirmed that it sounds like his.  “I don’t know why he did that,” said Moruakgomo who was lost for words.

Moruakgomo said maybe they are having an influence on upcoming artistes. But he said if you are impressed with someone’s music and you would like to use it, you must consult him/her first. Moruakgomo said he would be supportive if any artist was to approach him to use his material. 

A radio jazz presenter said he found the two songs sound the same.  “I got a shock when I heard this song for the first time,” he said.

The presenter said he couldn’t play Fane’s song on radio because people would realise it sounds like What’s happening.  “It is going to affect his album,” he said. He said Fane’s album is beautiful but it could be spoiled by the one song. 

A local jazz promoter said the two songs sound similar line to line.  “It is just like What’s happening,” he said.  He said maybe Fane changed notes only.  “But to a common ear the two songs sound the same.  I am looking forward to what Moruakgomo is going to say,” he said.

Fane has been touring places like Francistown to launch his album. 

Other tracks on his new album include Mofufutso, Chomie, Kgokgontsho, Lenyalo, as sweet as always, Selebatso and Mme Nthome.  The lyrics on these tracks are done in Setswana.  It is only in Wishes that Fane is using a mixture of English and Setswana. 

In a previous interview, Fane said he was singing about his life experiences.